Exercise Table

ABSTRACT

An improved exercise table or reformer having an improved tower, adjustable foot bar assembly and/or improved jump board. The improved tower may also be used without being attached to a reformer. The improved tower includes adjustable spring mechanisms and adjustable pulley mechanisms. The improved foot bar assembly includes a captive hook to improve safety. The improved jump board is attached to the frame by dropping into an envelope and by engaging the foot bar assembly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/668,148, filed on Nov. 2, 2012, which claimed priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/554,896, filed Nov. 2, 2011. Theforegoing applications are incorporated by reference as if fully setforth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The current invention generally relates to exercise equipment, includingan improved exercise table or “reformer” with improved strength,adjustability, appearance and/or safety to be used in Pilates or othertypes of exercises.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercise and other efforts to improve physical fitness and generalhealth have become increasing popular. Many different forms of exerciseand fitness routines have come into being such as aerobics, weighttraining, yoga and more recently, exercises related to Pilates,Gyrotonics and the like. Pilates has become increasingly popular sinceit provides a unique blend of training to improve flexibility, strengthand aerobic stamina.

Various forms of exercise may be performed without the use of anyequipment, while other forms may require basic or specialized equipment.Many exercises associated with Pilates involve an exercise table that iscommonly referred to as a reformer. A reformer typically includes aframe which supports a platform or carriage that may move back and forthalong the frame's length. A user may lie, kneel or assume some otherbody position on the platform. Springs are typically connected to theplatform and extend to the frame where one or more of the springs aretypically attached to adjust the resistance to be experienced by theuser. The user may press against the frame with his or her hands orfeet, and thereby move the platform away from the end of the frameagainst the spring's resistance. The bias of the springs will then tendto move the carriage so that it returns to its original position, andthe user may exert resistance to control this return motion. Thecarriage thus moves back and forth along the length of the frame.

Typical reformers include a foot bar which extends upward from the footend of the frame and against which the user may apply pressure to movethe platform away from the foot end against the spring's resistance.Typical reformers also include handles attached to ropes which the usermay also pull to move the platform against the spring's resistance.

Certain reformers may also include an upright member sometimes referredto as a tower. The tower may include what is known as a push throughbar, and springs and/or pulleys may also be attached to the tower. Thetower attachment allows the user to perform different types ofexercises.

An attachment known as a jump board may also be attached to thereformer. Typically, the user presses against the jump board with enoughforce so that the carriage (and the user) moves from the foot end to thehead end of the reformer so that the user's feet separate from the jumpboard. The bias of the springs then returns the carriage to the footend, and the user's feet may then “land” on the jump board and “jump”off of it again for another repetition.

Many Pilates studios have one or more reformers that are used bydifferent people. Sometimes, a given reformer will be used by numerouspeople in a given day. The height and body proportions, such as leg andtorso lengths, may vary between users, sometimes significantly. This, aswell as the various types of exercises that may be performed on a givenreformer, typically requires the springs to be adjusted, both in thenumber of springs that are used to provide a certain resistance and/orthe placement of springs on the tower. The location of the pulleys isalso typically adjusted as well. Therefore, it is important thatreformers be easily adjustable, and once adjusted, sturdy so that theuser may safely perform his or her exercise routine.

The towers on some current reformers are made from off-the-shelf tubularmetal and connection fittings that are typically used with lightrigging. Towers made of such components may be less sturdy than ideal,and that may become weaker over time. Furthermore, certain towers maynot be solidly connected to the reformer or other type of exerciseequipment. Still further, such towers may only offer certain, fixedlocations at which to attach springs and/or pulleys. And adjustment ofthe location at which a spring or pulley connects to the tower mayinvolve a cumbersome process of detaching a connector and thenreattaching the connector at a new location. Oftentimes, this includesunscrewing a loop fitting, repositioning the spring and then tighteningthe loop fitting again. This is disadvantageous because in Pilates andother forms of exercise, the “flow” or ease in which the user mayperform one exercise after another is important. Accordingly, there is aneed for an improved tower for use with reformers and other exerciseequipment.

As noted above, reformers typically include a foot bar for the user topress against, e.g., as the carriage moves from the foot end to the headend. Certain types of current foot bars may be designed in such a waythat may allow the foot bar to become disengaged during an exerciseroutine. This may create a safety hazard. Accordingly, there exists aneed for an improved foot bar that is solidly locked in place during theexercise, but may still be readily adjusted.

As noted above, a jump board may be attached to certain currentreformers. However, existing jump boards oftentimes require cumbersomeattachment means such as threaded knobs that must be screwed into thereformer frame. And if the knobs are not adequately screwed in, the jumpboard may become loose during exercise leading to a safety issue. Thejump board may also be less sturdy than ideal. Accordingly, there existsa need for a jump board that may be more readily attached to a reformerand that provides increased sturdiness and safety.

Existing reformers may also include sharp edges or surfaces that are notcomfortable for a user to touch. Existing reformers may also appearindustrial which may not be inviting for certain users. Accordingly,there is a need for a more user-friendly reformer or other type ofexercise equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The exercise table, or reformer, of the current invention addresses theforegoing and other issues.

In one aspect of the current invention, an improved tower is described.

In another aspect of the current invention, an improved foot barassembly is described.

In another aspect of the current invention, an improved jump board andthe manner in which the jump board is attached to a reformer isdescribed.

In another aspect of the current invention, an improved tactile feel andappearance of the exercise equipment is described.

Other aspects, features and details of the present invention can be morecompletely understood by reference to the following detailed descriptionof the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings andappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise table.

FIG. 2 is an underneath perspective view of an exercise table.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an exercise table.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a tower.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a tower.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a handle area of a tower.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of a tower connected to a reformer.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a spring adjustment mechanism of a tower.

FIG. 9 is a detailed view of a pulley adjustment mechanism of a tower.

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a safety strap, spring and tower.

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of a tower.

FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C show a tower in use.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a foot bar assembly and a jumpboard.

FIG. 14 is a detailed view of a foot bar assembly.

FIG. 15 is a rear view of a foot bar assembly and jump board.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the current invention will now be described withreference to the drawings. To facilitate the description, any referencenumeral representing an element in one figure will represent the sameelement in any other figure. The current invention is not limited to thespecific description below, as one skilled in the art will appreciatethat variations may occur to the subject matter described below whilestill being within the scope and content of the current invention. Thedescription below makes reference to reformers, but one skilled in theart will recognize that the current invention is suitable for use withother types of exercise equipment, such as equipment where springs orother forms of resistance are used and it may be desired to move thelocation at which the spring attaches to the equipment.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exercise table or reformer 1 typically used forcertain Pilates exercises is shown. Table 1 includes frame 10 that maybe rectangular and extend about the periphery of table 1, therebydefining an open interior 3. Frame 10 may include side members, a headmember and a foot member. More particularly, frame 10 may include alongitudinally extending right side member 11, a longitudinallyextending left side member 12, a head member 13 and a foot member 14.The frame members 11, 12, 13, 14 may be attached together by anyappropriate means.

Exercise table or reformer 1 also includes a platform 16 on which theuser lies or assumes some other body position, and which maylongitudinally move back and forth along the sides of frame 10. To thisend, side frame members 11, 12 may include inwardly opening channels 15as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which may define tracks in which verticalrollers may move. Channels 15 may comprise inward facing u-shapedflanges that include a bottom horizontal flange, a vertical wallattached to the side member 11 or 12, and an upper horizontal flange. Ina preferred embodiment a channel 15 may be contiguous with a side member11 or 12 such that they comprise a single piece. In other embodiments,channel 15 may be separate from side member 11 or 12 but may be attachedthereto by suitable fastening means.

Vertical rollers 17 may engage the bottom horizontal flange and slide inthe channel 15. Vertical rollers 17 may be attached to platform 16 by abracket or other suitable device, and may support platform 16 as itmoves along the length of frame 10 as shown in FIG. 2. As also shown inFIG. 2, horizontal rollers 18 contact the vertical wall of the inwardchannel 15 and may also be attached to and support platform 16.Horizontal rollers preferably help ensure that platform 16 moves in astraight line as it longitudinally articulates back and forth alongframe 10.

Platform 16 is now more specifically described with reference to FIG. 3.Platform 16 preferably includes a rigid structural panel 19 of generallyrectangular configuration. Platform 16 is preferably designed to supportthe weight of the user and is sized to accommodate the trunks of largerusers. Platform 16 preferably includes support cushion 20 to providecomfort to the user when he or she lies or kneels on it, or assumes someother body position thereon. Cushion 20 may be attached to panel 19 inany suitable manner.

Platform 16 and panel 19 may include a head end and foot end thatcorrespond to the head end 13 and foot end 14 of frame 10. At the headend of the panel 19, an adjustable height head support 21 may becentrally positioned for supporting a user's head. Head support 21 maybe arranged flat (as shown) or tilted up to place the user's neck inpredetermined angles. A pair of shoulder blocks 22 may be located oneither side of head support 21. Blocks 22 may support the shoulders orother body parts such as feet, hands or knees of the user depending uponthe exercise being performed.

Referring again to FIG. 2, a plurality of resistance members 24 may beattached to platform 16 at their first ends 25. The current inventionalso contemplates using a single resistance member 24. In oneembodiment, resistance members 24 comprise coil springs that areattached to the underneath of panel 19. The second ends 26 of springs 24may be selectively attached to anchor bar assembly 27, so that differentspring resistances may be experienced by the user. In FIG. 3, secondends 26 are not shown attached to anchor bar assembly because inpractice, the number of springs attached to anchor bar assembly 27 willvary according to the strength of the user and the exercise beingperformed. In any event, and as shown in FIG. 8, anchor bar assembly 27may include a bar or rod 50 and a plurality of eyebolts 51 attachedthereto. The second ends 26 of one or more springs 24 may be selectivelyattached to eyebolts 51 to suit the exercise and user. It should benoted that other suitable devices for attaching springs 24 to anchor barassembly 27 may be used.

Other components and other aspects of the operation of an exercisetable, such as a reformer, are described in U.S. Ser. Nos. 10/553,930;11/652,806; 12/555,460 and 61/465,229, as well as U.S. Pat. No.7,104,937, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated byreference as if fully set forth herein. Exercise table 1 may alsoinclude a flat mat surface in addition to or instead of carriage 16. Inthis type of exercise table, the user may lay on the mat to performdifferent types of exercises.

An aspect of the current invention involving an improved tower 600 isnow described with reference to FIGS. 4-12. The improved tower 600 ofthe current invention preferably provides increased stability whencompared to typical current towers, and is easier to use and providesincreased functionality by allowing, e.g., quicker adjustments ofsprings and/or pulleys. Preferably, this provides a better flow betweenexercises.

Tower 600 of the current invention may be attached to a reformer orother exercise equipment. Alternatively, tower 600 need not be attachedto a reformer but instead may be attached to a wall. When attached to awall, it is preferred that tower 600 be located a distance from the wallso that the push through bar may swing in both directions.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, tower 600 may include frame 601 which maycomprise vertical members 602, 604 that may be attached at their topends to horizontal member 606 via joints 607. Push through bar 610(shown in FIG. 4) may be pivotally attached to tower frame 601 at pins612 so that a user may push bar 610 with his or her hands or feet. Tower600 may also include handles 630 for the user to grasp during certainexercises.

Tower 600 may also include one or more sliding pulley adjustment members640 that may also slide up and down vertical members 602, 604 asdiscussed later. Tower 600 may also include one or more springadjustment mechanisms 650 that may slide up and down vertical members602, 604 as discussed later. A spring 622 may be attached to springadjustment mechanism 650 as shown in FIGS. 10-11.

Tower 600 may also include an attachment member 660 at or near the baseof each vertical member 602, 604. Members 660 may be an extension ofvertical members 602, 604 or may be a separate bracket or othercomponent otherwise attached to tower frame 601. Each member 660preferably includes bolts 662 or other means to attach tower 600 to theframe 10 of reformer 1 or to a floor and/or a wall. FIG. 7 shows tower600 attached to reformer 1. As shown, it is preferred that tower 600 isfirmly attached to reformer 1. This may be accomplished by usingmultiple bolts 662 or other attachment means that correspond with holesor other means on the reformer to receive the attachment means.

The different components of tower 600 are now more fully described. Itis preferred that vertical members 602, 604 comprise extruded aluminumwhich yields a more rigid structure when compared to the tubular membersused on certain existing towers. This preferably increases user safety.Members 602, 604 may include internal ribs in the extrusion process toprovide increased rigidity. Horizontal member 607 may also compriseextruded aluminum. It should be noted, however, that other materials maybe used and the invention is not limited to aluminum. Furthermore,members 602, 604, 606 may alternatively comprise separate pieces thatare attached together to form each member. In any event, members 602,604, 606 may include holes or brackets that allow their coupling byelbows 607.

The rigidity provided by tower 600 preferably provides better userfeedback because there is little or no give in the tower. Thispreferably allows the user to experience the feel of just the progressbeing made in the exercise, e.g., by pushing on the push through bar610, without also feeling any wobbling or movement by the tower relativeto the reformer.

As best shown in FIGS. 5-11, vertical members 602, 604 may be formedsuch that channels 620 are formed therein. It is preferred that channels620 are formed on both the front and back sides of members 602, 604 sothat adjustable mechanisms 640, 650 may fit and slide therein on eitherside. Grips 630 may also fit within channels 620. As shown, channels 620preferably include a plurality of holes 622 to receive pop-pins or otherattachment means of handles 630, pulley adjustment mechanism 640 andspring adjustment mechanism 650.

Where members 602, 604 comprise extruded aluminum, channels may beformed along with the rest of the walls of members 602, 604 during theextrusion process. Where members 602, 604 alternatively comprise piecesattached together, a strip of metal with holes may be attached to otherpieces that form the walls.

Vertical members 602, 604 and horizontal member 604 may be slightlycurved and/or polished to provide a more inviting look to users. It ispreferred that members 602, 604, 606 generally match each other inappearance. Joints 607 may also be curved and of the same similarexterior dimensions to provide a contiguous look. The edges of thesecomponents may also be rounded to provide an inviting appearance andalso to avoid sharp edges for safety concerns.

Handles 630 are now more fully described with reference to FIGS. 4-7. Asshown, handles 630 may include grip 632 which may be rubber dipped for amore tactile gripping surface while the user holds tower 600.Alternatively, grip 132 may be padded with foam or some other suitablematerial that preferably withstands contact with sweat. The user maygrasp grip 632 when performing certain exercises. While the user mayalso grasp vertical members 602, 604, for certain exercises and/orusers, it may be preferable that handles 630 are grasped. In thismanner, additional exercises and/or user safety and comfort may beachieved.

Grips 632 may be attached to brackets 634 which may in turn be attachedto vertical members 602, 604. This attachment may occur in channels 620.Brackets 634 may include bolts that are threaded into holes 622.However, other attachment means may be used. The location of handles 630may be adjusted up or down on vertical members 602, 604 or mayalternatively be fixed in a stationary location.

Spring adjustment mechanisms 650 are now more fully described withreference to FIGS. 4-6 and 8. As shown, spring mechanism may includeblock 652 which may include holes to receive a pop-pin 654 and eyelets656. It is preferred that pop-pin 654 include a pin (not shown) that mayextend into holes 622 of channel 620 to securely lock mechanism 650 intoplace. Eyelets 656 may be threaded into tapped holes of block 652.Springs 670 may be attached to eyelets 656.

Viewed as a cross-section from the top of vertical members 602, 604,channel 620 may resemble a T. That is, channels 620 may include lips624, 625 that are spaced apart at a particular distance that correspondsto the vertical portion of the T, as well as an interior portion wherethe distance between the walls of members 602, 604 is larger andcorresponds to the horizontal portion of the T.

So that adjustment mechanism 650 is held by channel 620, block 652 mayhave a width that is slightly smaller than the distance between lips624, 626. However, block 652 may be attached to a wider base block 658that is sized slightly smaller than the larger distance between theinterior walls of members 602, 604. As such, adjustment mechanism 650 isgenerally constrained by channel 620 but may still travel freely up anddown.

To adjust spring adjustment mechanism 650, it is preferred that a useror instructor need simply pull on the pop pin so that the pin disengagesfrom a hole 622. The user or instructor may then slide mechanism 650 upor down channel 620 to the next desired location. This is an advantageover existing towers where a spring must be disconnected from an eyeletand then connected to another eyelet. In sum, this allows one to easilyand safely change the spring heights without disengaging the springs fora smoother transition between exercises. This provides for the enhancedflow of an overall Pilates workout or other form of exercise by reducingthe time needed to adjust the equipment between exercises, e.g., wherethe spring must be positioned at a different angle relative to the user.This also allows for the easy adjustment of spring position for users ofdifferent sizes or strengths.

As noted above, it is preferred that channels 620 are formed on both thefront and rear of vertical members 602, 604. This allows that springadjustment mechanisms 650 may be placed on both sides of tower 600,which in turn allows two people to use tower 600 to exercise at the sametime. Given that space is at a premium in many Pilates studios, allowingtwo users to exercise on one piece of equipment at the same time isadvantageous. Furthermore, the sturdy nature of tower 600 preferablyprovides that one user will feel little or no effect of the other userexercising with the same tower at the same time.

Pulley adjustment mechanism 640 is now more fully described withreference to FIGS. 4-9. As shown, mechanism 640 may include block 642,pop-pin 644, spring eyelet 646 and base block 648, as well as arm 641and pulley assembly 643. Pulley adjustment mechanism may travel up anddown channel 620 in the same or similar fashion as spring adjustmentmechanism 650. That is, block 642 may be sized slightly smaller than thedistance between lips 624, 626, and may be attached to base block 648which is within channel 620 and which is sized slightly smaller than thedistance between the interior walls of members 602, 604. As such, pulleyadjustment mechanism is generally constrained by channel 620 but maymove freely up or down.

The position of pulley adjustment mechanism 640 may be adjusted similarto spring adjustment mechanism 650. That is, the knob of pop-pin 644 maybe pulled so that its pin (not shown) is withdrawn from hole 622 inchannel 620, thereby allowing vertical travel. When the new desiredlocation is reached, the user or instructor may simply release the knobof pop-pin 644 and its pin will engage another hole 622. It should benoted that other types of pop pins or other means to engage members 602,604 may be used.

As best shown in FIG. 9, arm 641 may be attached to block 642 by bolt645 or any other suitable attachment means. It is preferred that arm 641have a curved and/or polished look similar to members 602, 604, 606 toprovide an inviting appearance. It is also preferred that arm includerecess 641 a so that the head of bolt 645 or other attachment meansgenerally fits within the contour of arm 641 to further provide aninviting appearance. Similarly, arm 641 may include recess 641 b toaccommodate the attachment of pulley mechanism 643. Suitable pulleymechanisms 643 are described in U.S. Ser. No. 11/652,806, the disclosureof which is expressly incorporated as if fully set forth herein.

It is preferred that the knobs of pop-pins 644, 654 are similar so thattheir adjustment feels uniform to the user or instructor. This alsoprovides a uniform, inviting appearance to the equipment. Blocks 642,652 may be similar in appearance as well. Furthermore, eyelets 646, 656may generally be the same. The uniformity of these component pieces alsofacilitates manufacturing and reduces cost since numerous componentswith different dimensions may not need to be produced.

Channels 620 may include stops 690 as shown in FIG. 9 that may be boltedinto one of the holes 622 and that may include block 692. It ispreferred that stop 690 may limit the travel of either pulley adjustmentmechanism 640 or spring adjustment mechanism 650.

Additional aspects related to the appearance of exercise equipmentincorporating the current invention are now described with reference toFIG. 10. Typically, a tower will include a safety chain attached to thetower frame and the push through bar. The safety chain serves to limitthe travel of the push through bar and to avoid the situation where thepush through bar hits the user. Such chains may be unsightly and noisy.As shown in FIG. 10, however, the current invention preferably includesa safety strap 680 that may include webbing 682 and loops 684.Preferably, loops 684, that may engage connectors attached to tower 600,are sewn into webbing 682 to provide a softer, more inviting look to theexercise equipment. The use of fabric webbing also preferably avoids thenoise associated with clanging safety chains.

The use of safety straps 680 is shown in FIGS. 12A-12C where strap 680is shown to become more taut as push through bar 610 nears the user. Asalso shown in the figures, various other straps or spring holdingmechanisms may be attached at other locations on tower 600.

An aspect of the current invention involving a foot bar assembly for anexercise table, such as a reformer, is now described in more detail withreference to FIGS. 13-15. Foot bar assembly 510 may include foot bar 512that includes a cushion 514 mounted thereon. The cushioned portion 514may be made of rubber or other material similar to the other surfaceswhich the user contacts as described above. This preferably achieves thedesired pliability for comfort and texture to provide the frictionneeded to keep the user's feet safely in place during an exerciseroutine. This also preferably contributes to an inviting appearance ofreformer 1.

Foot bar 512 may be attached at its ends to arms 516 that are in turnpivotally mounted to frame 10 of reformer 1. To this end, mountingplates 518 may be mounted to the rails of either side of frame 10 andmay include pin 520 or other component suitable for allowing the pivotalconnection between arms 516 and frame 10. As discussed later in moredetail, plates 518 may include one or more mounting pegs 522.

Arms 516 are also preferably connected to adjusting links 524 throughpivotal connection 526. Adjusting links 524 preferably include a cutout530 at or near its end as well as a captive hook 532. As discussed inmore detail below, cutout 530 engages any of the pegs 522 for pivotallyadjusting foot bar 512 radially about pivotal connection 520. Thisengagement locks foot bar 512 in a position for the desired exercise.Adjusting links 524 are preferably connected together by link bar 528,which preferably maintains the two links 524 in parallel to each other,and which may be used to adjust links 524 from one set if pegs 522 toanother.

The engagement between adjusting links 524 and pegs 520 is now morefully described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. When in use during anexercise where the user lays on carriage 16 and moves away from foot bar512, the user's feet will generally be pushing horizontally against footbar 512. As another example, the user's hands may press down on foot bar512 when the user is, for example, in the plank position.

In either case, as well as with other exercises, cutout 530 preferablyassures that links 524 remain engaged with pegs 522. This occursbecause, when in use, foot bar 512 generally presses downward on links524, which in turn press downward on pegs 522 so that the upper portion530 a of cutout 530 engages peg 522. If foot bar 512 were inadvertentlypulled or pushed in the opposite direction, foot bar 512 would move onlya slight distance until the lower portion 530 b and captive hook 532would engage peg 522 thus preventing it from moving further, and alsopreventing it from becoming disengaged.

The adjustment of foot bar 512 is now more fully described. In order topromote safety and to enhance the sturdy feel provided by the currentinvention, it is preferred that the user or instructor use a two-handedoperation to adjust foot bar 512. To that end, the user or instructormay slightly move foot bar 512 which results in rotation thereof. Theuser or instructor may then lift and rotate adjustment links 524 by,e.g., pulling up on link 528 so that pegs 522 pass through the opening530 c of cutout 530 and adjustment links 524 are fully disengaged frompegs 522. Alternatively, the user or instructor may lift and rotatelinks 524 by pulling up on one of the links which will effect movementof the other link due to their being connected by link 528.

Once adjustment links 524 are clear of the set of pegs 522, foot bar 512may be adjusted to engage another set of pegs 522 by manipulating footbar assembly 510 so that another set of pegs 522 pass through opening530 c of cutouts 530 of adjustment links 524.

If the user or instructor tried to adjust foot bar 512 by moving onlyfoot bar 512 without also moving links 524, captive hook 532 wouldpreferably engage peg 522 thereby stopping the motion. It is preferredthat the two-handed approach to adjustment helps facilitate safety byavoiding disengagement by any type of inadvertent pushing or pulling onfoot bar 512 or other part of foot bar assembly 510. Again, this isaccomplished by virtue of cutout 530 and captive hook 532 whichgenerally surround the peg 522 is being engaged.

An aspect of the current invention relating to an improved jump boardand the manner in which it may be attached to the exercise equipment isnow discussed with reference to FIGS. 13-15. Jump board 700 may includebase 710 that in turn may include an upper portion 712 and lower portion714. Upper and lower portions 712, 714 may comprise one contiguous pieceof wood or other suitable material that may withstand the forces ofusers jumping off and landing on jump board 700.

A jump board cushion 716 may be mounted to upper portion 712 toaccommodate the user's feet. Jump board cushion 716 preferably has thesame look as the other components described above which the usercontacts. Jump board cushion 716 may also have texture to avoid theuser's feet from slipping upon contacting jump board 700, and to improveits tactile feel to the user.

The manner in which jump board 700 is attached to reformer 1 is now morefully described. A pair of L-shaped flanges 730 may be attached to theinterior of foot member 13 of frame 10 of reformer 1. Flanges 730 may bealuminum or any other suitable sturdy material. Flanges may be attachedto the interior of frame 10 by screws, bolts or any other suitableattachment means.

When flanges 730 are attached to the interior of frame 10, a gappreferably exists between the flange and interior frame surface that isabout the same as the thickness of lower portion 714 of base 710.Flanges 730 are also spaced a distance apart from each other at adistance that is about the same as the width of lower portion 714. Assuch, a pocket or envelope is created by flanges 730 and frame 10.

To mount jump board 700 to reformer 1, lower portion 714 may be droppedinto the pocket or envelope formed by flanges 730 and frame 10 describedabove. Lower portion 714 may have relief cuts so that a portion of itswidth is cut from either side so that it is narrower than upper portion712 and so that it has about the same width as the envelope. There mayalso be a transition 718 between upper and lower portions where thewidth of base 710 increases from lower portion 714 to upper portion 712.Transition 718 may rest upon the tops of flanges 730 when jump board 700is dropped into the pocket.

Lower portion 712 may also have cutouts, e.g., a trough (not shown), cutout from its surface that may accommodate edge of flanges 730. In otherwords, the edges of flanges 730 may protrude into the thickness of lowerportion 714 to provide increased stability. It is preferred that lowerportion 714 snugly fit within the envelope created by frame 10 andflanges 730 to provide increased rigidity, feel and safety. However,this fit is preferably not overly tight so that jump board 700 may beremoved from the envelope without difficulty.

The manner in which jump board 700 is further secured by foot barassembly is now further described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 15. Asshown, bumper 750 may be mounted to the rear side of jump board base710. Bumper 750 may include a base 752 having a foot bar receptacle 754and handle 756. Receptacle 754 is sized to receive the cushioned sectionof foot bar 512. As such, receptacle 754 is preferably cylindrical, andreceptacle 754 may be shaped so that its circumference extends more than180 degrees so as to grip foot bar 712 and provide a solid connectionbetween jump board 700 and reformer 1. This in turn provides a betterfeel to the user.

Foot bar assembly 510 thus laterally supports jump board 700 when theuser lands on the cushioned portion 716 and jumps off. This supportserves to stiffen the entire jump board assembly and provides betterfeel for the user. Furthermore, it provides more security and safety.

Bumper 750 may also include handle 756 that may be grasped by the useror instructor to lift jump board 700 out of reformer 1 when it isdesired to remove jump board 700. Handle 756 may also help an individualdrop jump board 700 into the envelope between frame 10 and flanges 730as discussed above.

The jump board 700 of the current invention represents an advance overprior jump boards regarding the ease in which it may be attached andremoved to the reformer. That is, instead of having to screw knobs atthe base of the jump board into the frame as currently exists with manyreformers, jump board 700 need only be dropped into the envelope whilefitting foot bar 712 into receptacle 754. Furthermore, the engagement byfoot bar assembly 510 provides a mounting device higher up than whichoccurs with most existing reformers, thereby providing increasedstability. Still further, jump board 700 may be easily lifted out of theenvelope and disengaged from receptacle 754 instead of having to unscrewknobs from the frame.

While various embodiments of an exercise table and aspects thereof havebeen presented in the foregoing disclosure, numerous modifications,alterations and alternate embodiments may be contemplated by thoseskilled in the art and may be utilized in accomplishing the variousaspects of the present invention. Thus, it is to be clearly understoodthat this description is made only by way of example and not as alimitation on the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An improved reformer, comprising: a frame; and atower including a spring adjustment mechanism and a pulley adjustmentmechanism.
 2. The improved reformer of claim 1, wherein the springadjustment mechanism and pulley adjustment mechanism may slide up anddown the tower without detaching therefrom.